Every triathlete that I know would like to get faster in the swim, bike, run, or all three. Often times this focus centers on race gear that can help you reach the next level in the sport. As a Playtri coach, performance tester, bike fitter, and coached athlete I know first hand that Playtri has the upgrades that you need to become a faster, stronger, and more resilient triathlete. Below is my list of next level race gear that can help you reach that next level you are looking at.
Upgrade #1: A professional Bike Fit
Before even considering upgrading to a new bike or specific parts on your bike, you need to know how your position on the bike affects your performance on the bike and later on the run. I encourage any athlete that I work with to schedule a bike fit when they are looking at purchasing a new bike or new components. That new bike or component won’t make you faster unless the bike fits you properly.
Upgrade #2: A power meter
Most mid-level to high end bikes come with a power meter these days. However, if you are looking to upgrade an older bike and don’t have a power meter, then this is an excellent choice! Real quickly: A power meter is a device that uses strain gauges to measure the number of watts you are putting into your pedals. Combining power meter measurements with a heart rate monitor will allow you to know the real cost of the work you are doing on the bike in training and in racing.
Upgrade #3: Race wheels
Like power meters, most mid-level to high end bikes come with race wheels these days. However, if you don’t have race wheels, then purchasing carbon race wheels is an excellent decision. Carbon race wheels reduce drag, road vibrations, and increase speed and acceleration. If you are looking for a do-it-all race wheel, then consider the Zipp 303 S wheel set or the Zipp 404/808 Firecrest wheel set.
Upgrade #5: Aero Helmet & kit
Your body has the biggest impact on drag. Improving the fit of your race kit can drastically improve your aerodynamics on the bike. Likewise, using an aero helmet or aero road helmet (in hot conditions) will make you a faster triathlete.
Upgrade #6: Carbon running shoes
The introduction of super shoes has led to performance benefits for runners across the running pace spectrum. These performance benefits come from the shoe altering your running economy including altering your run mechanics in the foot and ankle. Although there is not enough clinical peer-reviewed proof that these shoes directly cause foot injuries, there is debate and anecdotal correlation that super shoes can cause injuries in your feet such as bone stress injuries. If you do run in super shoes, don’t use them exclusively. Save them for speed work and race day.
If you have any questions about next level upgrades, bike fitting, or want to learn more about our different coaching options, please feel free to contact met at jim.rowe@playtri.com. Happy training and racing!
Jim Rowe is a Playtri Level 4 Coach and Coach Education Lead, a USAT LI Certified Coach, an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and an Ironman and 70.3 World Championship Qualifier who works with adult athletes of all abilities from beginners to IRONMAN World Championship qualifiers. Learn more about Jim at www.playtri.com/jim-rowe